Planning and Development

ONLINE LODGEMENT OF Development Applications and Construction Certificates AVAILABLE FROM 1st July 2017 via the Online Development HUB --->

Planning and Development involves the various aspects of land use planning, building construction and land subdivision which are administered by Council. The aim is to achieve high quality and sustainable development outcomes in our urban and rural areas, taking into account the social and economic welfare of our communities and the preservation of the physical environment. Whether you are interested in major development projects, housing construction or buying or selling property, this information is designed to guide you through the sometimes complex Planning and Development process.

The NSW planning process is governed by a hierarchy of legislation and environmental planning instruments. The hierarchy starts with legislation such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EPA) Act 1979, and then steps down to various types of plans including State Environmental Planning Policies and Local Environmental Plans and policies such as a Development Control Plan.

The term "development"applies to a broad range of activities. In some circumstances the approval of Council will be required and in other instances it will not. This information is designed to help you determine whether your proposal may be exempt development, complying development or whether a development application would be required. It also provides an explanation of the processes involved in the determination of a development application.

Although some forms of low impact development such as sheds and pergolas, may not need Council approval, most significant developments will require a Development Application (DA) to obtain planning or construction consent. Details of the DAs lodged, those that are on public exhibition and those that have been determined are available online.

There are a number of different types of certificates that you may require from Council when buying or selling a property. This information is provided as a guide only and you should always seek legal advice or consult your real estate agent regarding your specific circumstances.

Under section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council is able to recover the costs of infrastructure and facilities that are provided by Council to meet the demands of future development.

The Tamworth Regional Council Community Profile and Atlas provide a comprehensive socio-demographic profile of our community using Census data. The Census (or Census of Population and Housing) is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) every five years and is the only full count of Australia’s population. The last Census occurred on Tuesday 8 August 2006. The Profile data is presented in simple, clear tables and charts with concise factual commentary. The Community Atlas provides 63 maps covering a range of topics from population and ethnicity through to housing costs and internet access.

Heritage is an important feature of the Tamworth region’s built and natural environment, providing the area with its distinct and unique qualities. The Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 makes provision for the recognition and preservation of the heritage value in the region. Council has developed policies such as financial assistance schemes and heritage advisory services, to assist property owners with conservation of historically significant buildings and places. Council also provides support services to communities to identify and promote their local heritage items.

ePlanning is the use of technology in the delivery of planning and development services, such as the online lodgement and tracking of applications, viewing planning information on a web based interactive map and providing new ways for stakeholders to engage with the planning process.

The Electronic Lodgement Policy applies where Council requires electronic copies of plans and documents to be submitted with a planning, building and subdivision applications (including any amendments and additional information).